Smitz played a huge role in the German national team, which reached the final of the Women's World Championships in December last year. Coach Jacob Vestergaard is pleased to have secured the services of Smitz.
"Xenia is one of the best defenders in handball, and someone I know very well after two years together in German handball. She is an extremely dynamic and aggressive player who has an exceptional understanding of her own positioning and the prediction of what the attacking player is doing. At the same time, Xenia will give us great flexibility as she can cover almost all positions, offensively and defensively."
The 31-year-old Smits has won German and French championships and cup titles, an EHF European League gold medal, and, most recently, a silver medal at the World Championships.
Smits is relishing the chance to push Odense into the Champions League Final Four:
"First of all, I am very much looking forward to my move to Odense, and I am extremely curious about the mentality I experience in Odense. I already know some of the players in the squad, and of course, I know the coach, Jakob, from our time together in Germany."
"I am also very grateful to have been given this opportunity, and I will do my best to help the club achieve its goals and strengthen the team."